Historic Route 66 & Grand Canyon
Road Trip Along the Mother Road
Overview
Celebrate 100 years of the historic Mother Road—U.S. Route 66 on this winding road trip across the Southwest! Arizona is home to the longest continuous and drivable stretch of this iconic route, stretching from east of Gallup, New Mexico all the way to near the California state line. Symbolizing American freedom, spirit, and nostalgia for summer road trips, Route 66 has imparted a lasting legacy on the American people. As you make your way past small towns, roadside attractions, quirky businesses, and neon lights, you’ll be transported back to a unique part of American history, a simpler time where the American Dream flourished and the spirit of the open road reigned.
Begin your journey in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hit the open road and make your way to Arizona, stopping at several historic towns, cities, and classic Route 66 attractions. The Mother Road will take you through the Petrified Forest National Park and a small detour leads to the beautiful Painted Desert.
Your journey on the historic highway also detours to Grand Canyon National Park, named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Slowly formed over millions of years by the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon stretches over 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep—truly living up to its name! Enjoy two nights on the South Rim with ample leisure time to take in the vastness of this natural wonder.
So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let Route 66 lead you on an unforgettable journey through timeless landscapes, storied towns, and the very heart of the American spirit.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
- Drive along the longest continuous stretch of Route 66
- See famous Route 66 sites & attractions
- Visit the Petrified Forest National Park & Painted Desert
- Experience Bearizona Wildlife Park
- Stargaze at Lowell Observatory
- Spend two nights at Thunderbird Lodge, on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
- Sightseeing tours of Albuquerque & Flagstaff
- Take it Easy in Winslow, Arizona
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Roundtrip commercial air from Indianapolis to Albuquerque, New Mexico and from Las Vegas, Nevada
- Escorted
- 7 nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- 2 lunches, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing and admissions per itinerary
- Ground transportation
- Hotel baggage handling
NOTE: This itinerary includes activities where moderate walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required.
Itinerary
Mon, May 11: Depart Indianapolis and fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Explore the Old Town of Albuquerque and grab lunch on your own. After lunch, meet a local guide for a city tour. In the afternoon, check into your downtown hotel. Later this evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Dinner)
Tue, May 12: After breakfast, learn about the history of Acoma Pueblo and Acoma people. As the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in North America, Acoma Pueblo has a rich and storied history, beginning between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is the perfect place to learn about Sky City and the culture of the Acoma people. Stop at El Malpais National Monument’s overlooks at Sandstone Bluff and La Ventana Arch before arriving to Gallup—featuring flashy, neon signs and roadside attractions. Check in for an overnight stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel, located on Route 66 and famous for its deep connection to Hollywood’s golden age of Western filmmaking. The hotel served as the base for numerous movie productions and hosted star-studded guests like John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Katherine Hepburn, Errol Flynn, Kirk Douglas, and more! Dinner is included in the hotel’s Silver Screen Cafe. (B,L,D)
Wed, May 13: This morning, check out of the hotel and journey to Petrified Forest National Park as an expert naturalist provides insight into the formation of the fossilized wood remains. Stop along with way for stunning views of the Painted Desert landscape, whose iron and manganese-rich layers form the vibrant colors seen across the desert terrain. Continue to Winslow, Arizona, where you’ll have the chance for photo opportunities in Standin’ on the Corner Park, as well as time for lunch. Continue to Flagstaff and check into the Little America Hotel Flagstaff. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel tonight. (B,D)
Thu, May 14: Begin the day with a guided tour of Flagstaff, with a focus on historic Route 66 locations. Have time to explore downtown and grab lunch on your own. Afterwards, transfer to the Snowbowl Resort for an exciting ride on the Arizona Gondola. Experience sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks and of Northern Arizona, on clear days you may even see as far as the Grand Canyon! This evening, enjoy dinner and live music at Black Bart’s Steakhouse. After dinner make an evening visit to the Lowell Observatory. Open your mind to awe and wonder under the famously dark skies of Flagstaff on the grounds of this 125-year-old observatory. Discover the historical exhibits and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, a unique public observing plaza with six advanced telescopes. (B,D)
Fri, May 15: Check out of the hotel and hit the open road again, your first stop of the day takes you to Bearizona Wildlife Park. View animals ranging from rugged mountain goats and stealthy wolves to majestic bison and comical black bears on a drive through their natural habitats. Step off the bus in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walk-thru area, with daily shows and encounters where you’ll get an up-close look at jaguars, grizzly bears, and the playful antics of smaller woodsy animals. Depart for Grand Canyon National Park, one of the great seven natural wonders of the world. Along the way, stop in Williams, known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”—a town also with a vibrant Route 66 atmosphere. Have lunch on your own and soak in the nostalgia, visiting unique shops and galleries. Save time to stop into Pine Country Restaurant and devour some world-famous homemade pie! Continue to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to view the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie that provides an excellent introduction to the park. Enter the park and check in for the next two nights at the Thunderbird Lodge located on the canyon’s south rim. Spend the evening at leisure. (B)
Sat, May 16: Today is a full day at leisure to experience the Grand Canyon as you like. Use the free shuttle system and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Participate in one of the many ranger programs offered by the park or consider an optional excursion. (B)
Sun, May 17: Continue your Route 66 journey visiting Seligman and Kingman enroute to Las Vegas. Seligman claims to be the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66” and is a preserved slice of Americana with many original buildings, retro diners, gift shops and roadside icons. In Kingman, brilliant murals draw you in and the Arizona Route 66 Museum will reveal the historical evolution of travel along the 35th parallel that became what we know as The Mother Road. Learn how the path of the Native American trade routes, the migration of wagons heading west on the first federally funded wagon roads, and the U.S. Army-led survey expeditions ushered in the future of family fun and excitement. Continue to Las Vegas to cap off the trip with an overnight stay. Enjoy the evening free to try your luck at a casino, see a show, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities. (B,L)
Mon, May 18: Enjoy a grand farewell brunch before departing for Harry Reid International Airport. Transfer to the airport for your flights home. (BR)
Hotel
Hotel Andaluz, Curio Collection by Hilton, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Opened by Conrad Hilton in 1939, this historic hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in downtown Albuquerque, it combines elegance and cultural heritage with modern hospitality. Highlights: in-room coffee & tea maker • complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access • restaurant and bar • room service • fitness center.
El Rancho Hotel, Gallup, New Mexico. This historic Route 66 hotel has been carefully restored to its original 1940s grandeur, preserving its lodge-style architecture, cozy fireplaces, and the ambiance that attracted Hollywood’s elite. Highlights: in-room coffee/tea maker • coin operated guest laundry • complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access • restaurant & bar • outdoor pool • fitness center • gift shop.
Little America Hotel, Flagstaff, Arizona. Set in 500 acres of Ponderosa Pine Forest this recently refurbished resort is a haven of inviting hospitality among the natural beauty of northern Arizona. Highlights: Comfortable, refreshed guest rooms, designed with floor to ceiling windows, imported marble, spacious baths and dressing area • in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access • restaurant • bar • outdoor pool • hot tub • fitness center.
Thunderbird Lodge, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Thunderbird Lodge is a standard park lodge with a standout location directly on the Rim Trail, next to Bright Angel and El Tovar restaurant options, gift shops, Kolb Studio, Verkamp’s Visitor Center and Bright Angel Trail Head. Highlights: Canyon-side rooms with partial canyon views • in-room coffee/tea maker, refrigerator • complimentary WiFi Internet access. This park hotel is not equipped with elevators and guest rooms on the second floor are only accessible by stairs.
PRICING
- Package with Air
- Double P/P – $4,799
- Triple P/P – $4,469
- Single – $5,899
- Land Only
- Double P/P – $4,159
- Triple P/P – $3,829
- Single – $5,259
*Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
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